Hingham's Uncle Sam loves a parade!

No one loves a parade more than longtime Hingham resident George Ford, especially in his role as Uncle Sam.

"This is my 10th year, and I'm looking foward to many more!" he said.

Ford considers Hingham fortunate to be able to hold its own unique Fourth of July celebration. "The Hingham parade is a wonderful tradition, representing the day-to-day tradition of the town," he said. "It's an opportunity to showcase the essence of the Town of Hingham on our country's birthday."

As Uncle Sam, Ford doesn't just march in the parade. He also books the performers, including 20 bands this year.

"I consider it a privilege and an honor to lead the Hingham parade," he said. "It keeps me rooted and grounded in the town."

"Looking back, Ford had envisioned himself as Uncle Sam for many years before he was asked to fill the role. "When I was growing up in Hingham, a senior citizen who had contributed to the community and had an active interest in it was chosen to be Uncle Sam," he recalled.

While finishing his term as advisory committee chairman in the late 1960s and early '70s, the selectmen asked Ford what he wanted to do next. "I told them of my interest in being Uncle Sam, but at the time I was too young, had no gray hair, and didn't have any grandchildren!" Ford quipped. Years later, when that time came, he was eager to step into that role.

"As Uncle Sam I get a thrill seeing everyone watching the parade, and in the spirit of Uncle Sam I love calling out, 'We need you!' to the young people lining the route," he said.

The costume worn by Ford was passed down from earlier Uncle Sams. "To fit into it you need to be roughly 160 to 170 pounds and about six feet tall," he said.

The hat dates back to the late 1800s. "I keep it boxed during the year to retain its shape -- it's more than 125 years old!" Ford said. "Your head has to fit into it because it can't be altered."

The white shoes he marches in he also wore as a US Naval officer in 1960. "Whoever I eventually pass the costume on to will have to get his own shoes," Ford said with a smile. "These are 57 years old already and will likely be worn out by that time!"